Dictionary of Bible Themes That which is visible on the outside may reveal the true person, but is sometimes misleading. Judging by it and boasting in it are typical of sinful humanity. God sees the inner reality. Matthew 7:16-20Outward appearance can reveal the truth Spiritually See also Matthew 5:16; 12:33-37pp Lk 6:43-45 John 15:8James 2:17-18 Proverbs 15:13 See also Emotionally 1 Samuel 1:16-18Proverbs 17:22 Ecclesiastes 8:1 Daniel 5:5-6 Mark 10:22 Matthew 23:25-28 Outward appearance can be deceptive See also Isaiah 29:13; 53:2-3Matthew 7:15 Luke 11:39-41 2 Corinthians 11:13-15 Colossians 2:23 Hebrews 13:2 John 7:23-24 While people may judge by outward appearance, God does not See also People take note of outward appearance Luke 16:14-15John 8:15 2 Corinthians 10:7 James 2:1-4 Revelation 3:17 1 Samuel 16:6-7 See also God looks at the heart 1 Kings 8:39Psalms 139:1-2 Proverbs 16:2; 21:2 pp 2Ch 6:30 Isaiah 11:3-5Luke 16:15 Galatians 2:6 Revelation 2:23 Luke 20:45-47 The folly of boasting in outward appearance See also Matthew 6:2,5,162 Corinthians 5:12 Galatians 6:12 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 What is unseen is more important than outward appearance See also Psalms 51:6; 147:10-11Romans 2:28-29 Genesis 12:11-15 Beautiful physical appearance Examples of the problems and opportunities caused by beautiful outward appearance Genesis 39:6-7Sarah's beauty led to Abraham's folly 1 Samuel 9:2; 16:12; 25:32 Samuel 11:2-3 Joseph's handsome appearance led to his being tempted by Potiphar's wife 2 Samuel 14:25-26Esther 1:10-11; 2:7 Bathsheba's beauty tempted David 1 Peter 3:3-5Esther's beauty was an opportunity for God. 1 Timothy 2:9-10The cultivation of inner beauty encouraged See also 1020 God, all-knowing4040 beauty 5012 heart 5025 killing 5145 clothing 5840 eagerness 6145 deceit 8784 nominal religion |
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